I think it depends on your interpretation of reservist vs conscript. There seems to be plenty of narrative about both being called up by Russia - so it’s not just reservists.

And the quality of those reservists is probably extremely hit and miss

I don’t think it’s going to over soon. But as stated my stake in the ground is that Russia are offensively done.

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

Unless I’m misinterpreting something here, this seems to be pretty clear and well researched - contradicting the assertion that there are no Russian conscripts.

[Link]

For example

The Russian Armed Forces conscript men semi-annually, with the fall draft lasting from October 1 until December 31 and the spring draft running from April 1 until July 15.[3] In 2022, the Kremlin announced the spring draft early on February 18.[4] The draft affects all men aged 18 to 27 years old, though some conscripts can be as young as 16 years old.[5] Russian conscripts typically serve one year.[6] The annual conscription pool of all Russian military-aged men is approximately 1.2 million people, though only about half are compelled to present themselves at their local military commissariat (voenkomat). The Russian General Staff reported conscripting 127,000 people for the fall 2021 draft and 134,000 people in spring 2021 out of 672,000 summoned men.[7] The number of conscripts is relatively consistent year on year, with 263,000 in 2020 and 267,000 in 2019.[8] Approximately 261,000 conscripts from 2021 are currently serving across Russian units, with the fall 2021 conscripts entering their third month of training.

New conscripts undergo a one- to two-month basic training, followed by three-to-six months of advanced training before arriving at their assigned units.[9] Current law precludes conscripts from deploying to combat with less than four months of training; however, martial law or general mobilization could supersede the current policy, allowing for the immediate employment of new conscripts or mobilized reservists.[10] Some of the fall 2021 conscripts are likely already serving in units fighting in Ukraine. The rapid employment of relatively untrained reservists is unlikely to materially increase Russia’s combat power in Ukraine.

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

I'd choose to look at both sources and suggest it's probably a mix. We all know what a Russian think tank would suggest... Even if it's not, I highly doubt that they are 300,000 elite military soldiers. If they are/were, this war will be over pretty soon.

Edited by SW19 CPFC (11 Nov 2022 5.50pm)

Did you know? 98.0000001% of people are morons.

I agree with you, it's not the same as professional soldiery....or indeed, motivated mercs.

I think the mercenaries on both sides have had considerable success and I think that says something, both in terms of resolution and military experience.

I don't like conscription, regardless of who does it.....though obviously we all understand it....it's difficult morally.

Edited by Stirlingsays (11 Nov 2022 6.22pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

You know the Russian reasons for the war Steely.

While I'd agree with you that the invasion was wrong I think the earlier discussions in the thread go over all this exhaustively.

None of it matters obviously, it appears that both have decided upon blood until economic exhaustion and it's plebs like us who will suffer for the hubris of leaders.

I remember a quote from the first war which went something along the lines of these conflicts would cost far less blood and money if just the elites themselves got into the trenches and fought it out....instead of using their populations as cannon fodder.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

It’s just over the border in or by a farm. But yes, there will be a statement at least. How serious will the response be? Who knows? Not much as it’s just over the border. Was that an accident? More I think the more I think it could’ve been decided to do it.

COYP